How to Dine Properly at The Westchester Mall

The Westchester in White Plains boasts a standout dining scene that exceeds the usual subpar mall dining options.

We’ve all experienced it at a mall: stale, flavorless pretzels salted to the point of no return, monstrous and syrupy cinnamon-bun concoctions, and more seemingly mouthwatering temptations that lose their appeal the second you settle down to enjoy them. Mall food mostly lives up to its reputation — somehow equally irresistible as it is disappointing.

The Westchester, however, offers no average shopping mall experience, and the same goes for its dining options. This White Plains hub is raising the standard of what hungry shoppers can expect with its Savor Food Hall, full-service restaurants, and food shops and cafes along the way.

Here’s what to expect during your next shopping trip in White Plains.

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Finer Dining

Mariposa is a perfect example of the step-above dining experiences available. Located inside the high-end department store Neiman Marcus, it is one of the only full-service restaurants available to shoppers (the other is P.F Chang’s). Nicole Vellucci, the general manager at Neiman Marcus, recommends Mariposa and notes that dining here offers “a small piece of luxury in your day,” describing the restaurant as an “oasis from the shopping experience” and “the most unique sit-down dining experience in the mall.” With its glass animations of monarch butterflies and sleek interior design, the restaurant exudes luxury and calm that contrasts with the hustle and bustle outside.

restaurant
Image by Nenad Maric from Pixabay

Most importantly, the food does not disappoint. Flaky, buttery popovers with light strawberry butter and hearty, warm chicken broth begin each meal. The sippable broth has been served at most of Mariposa’s locations since the 1950s as a way of “inviting you into our home and setting the tone,” Vellucci says. For an appetizer, the crispy Brussels sprouts are a must, with exuberant flavors from balsamic, pepitas, dates, lime, and cilantro completing the dish.

Among the restaurant’s classic main courses is the creamy and slightly sweet mandarin orange souffle served with chicken salad, almonds, sliced apples, and that day’s sweet bread. Then there’s the sampler: a cup of the day’s soup selection, classic half sandwich, and seasonal fruit. Velluci’s favorite is the tuna melt sandwich, which she thinks is the best in the county, and we agree that the Neiman Marcus chocolate chip cookie — served in a jewelry-box-like to-go container with the recipe inside — is worth the online attention; it is both nostalgic and satisfying.

Savor Food Hall

If you’re craving the classic food court experience with a lavish edge, Savor Food Hall will fulfill those desires. With five restaurants and a juice bar to choose from in its modern interior, the The Westchester’s dining hall maintains a classic, casual food court feel without sacrificing flavor and comfort within the mall.

food court
Westchester Mall’s food hall. Photo by Tara McIntosh

The food hall “offers a fresh and contemporary dining destination that strives to create an inviting atmosphere for all guests,” says Alyssa Bitts, the mall’s director of marketing. Bitts recommends Shake Shack and Melt Shop to “satisfy the comfort food craving,” The Little Beet and Juice Eternity “for the health-conscious,” and the newly opened The Wok 360 as well as Bang Spice Kitchen “for a taste of cultural cuisine.”

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Aside from just food, Bitts says, the hall also provides other amenities, such as the modern children’s play area, PLAY; the Connect Lounge for remote working; an outdoor patio; and a fireplace for shoppers to put their feet up and get cozy after walking around.

Bang Spice Kitchen, the Desi fusion restaurant focused on serving healthy, natural cuisine, is a top pick out of the Savor Food Hall lineup. This eatery includes its own bowl and wrap combinations on the menu, and there’s also a build-your-own option for a customizable meal.

When choosing the protein, consider the flavorful and crispy sesame chicken or, for a vegetarian option with similar payoff, the sesame tofu. The slightly sweet-and-sticky coconut rice serves as a perfect base to layer flavors, while the sides balance out heavier parts of the meal by emphasizing fruits and veggies. For even more flavor enhancement, complete your meal with the banging hot sauce if you’re craving a kick or the creamy cucumber yogurt for a more mellow topping.

 

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Sweet Treats

Shopping is tiresome work, and sometimes a sweet treat is the only appropriate respite after a long day of hitting the clothing racks. Venchi, the Italian chocolate shop and gelateria that recently opened in the mall, provides flavor, satisfaction, and a luxurious experience away from the excitement. Bitts says Venchi is a first-to-market shop serving “upscale chocolates and decadent gelatos.”

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Its goal is for customers to experience gourmet, authentic Italian desserts made with high-quality ingredients — and, my oh my, they do not disappoint. For a classic Italian gelato flavor, go for the stracciatella, made with fresh milk and dark chocolate. Alternatively, another top pick is the nougatine, inspired by the renowned chocolate bar and made with caramelized Piedmont hazelnuts.

And to keep you going, a hit of java from Manhattan-founded Gregorys Coffee next door to Venchi’s is a good choice. The beans are roasted four days a week in Long Island City to ensure freshness and quality of the brews. Besides the usual blends, look for limited-edition, single-origin coffees sourced for their unique, exotic, and special flavor profiles.

Everywhere to Eat at The Westchester

  • Auntie Anne’s
  • Bang
  • Cafe Nordstrom
  • eBar at Nordstrom
  • Gregorys Coffee
  • Haagen-Dazs
  • Juice Eternity
  • Mariposa at Neiman Marcus
  • Melt Shop
  • P.F. Chang’s China Bistro
  • Real Fruit Bubble Tea (coming soon)
  • Shake Shack
  • The Little Beet
  • The Wok 360
  • Venchi
  • Woops!

Related: 9 Westchester County Restaurants Hiding in Strip Malls

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